Macadamia farmers eye new markets after US tariff jolt

By Sisipho Skweyiya

Gene Likhanya’s macadamia nut farm, started with personal savings and built up over two decades in South Africa’s picturesque Madimbo valley, faces a sudden challenge from U.S. import tariffs that is causing him to look for other markets.

South Africa is the world’s top producer of macadamia nuts, known for their distinctive buttery flavour and cherished by some for their perceived health benefits, and the U.S. is its second largest market behind China.

Likhanya has big ambitions for a business he has already grown to employ 78 people and that has just produced 25 tonnes of nuts this year. He aims to triple output over the next four years.

But U.S. President Donald Trump’s drive to impose higher tariffs could disrupt that.

Although the “reciprocal” levies announced by Trump on April 2 – set at 31% for South Africa – have been paused to allow for negotiations, Likhanya said he